Steelers OTA Day 1 Wrap Up

The Pittsburgh Steelers heading out onto the practice field for OTAs where the rookie class and returning players will be participating in drills and getting acquainted. While the new Steelers get acclimated with the Steel City we’ll be busy looking for mentions of your Black & Gold so we’ve got you covered. Here’s your Steelers Morning Huddle for Wednesday, May 27^th.

Brown is staying

Antonio Brown may have missed the very start of voluntary workouts earlier this month but he promised that would be the only time he missed when he arrived at the South Side on Tuesday, addressing any rumors that he’d be holding out for a new contract.

"“Never a doubt. This organization has been nothing but first class to me. I’m just here to pay them back with my work ethic and build upon 2015. I’ve been here every year to start the process. I enjoy the process of getting ready and being here is how you kick it off. I’ll be here at training camp. I’ll be here with my same new haircut. I’ll be smiling. I’ll be ready to go.” – Antonio Brown"

Ben will miss Brady

Everyone was saying all the right things when the mics got in front of them for the start of OTAs. The last we heard from Ben Roethlisberger was when he was fresh off of inking his new contract extension but Tuesday Ben was addressing everything from going up against the Patriots without Tom Brady to how he likes his footballs inflated.

"“He’s a guy, I’ve said for a long time, he’s the best in the business, and he proved it again last year winning his fourth Super Bowl. If he’s not out there, it’s not the same. I have a lot of respect for him on the football field and some of the unbelievable things that he’s done. I guess we’ll wait and see what’s finally going to happen.” – Ben Roethlisberger"

Naturally with the topic of Tom Brady coming up, someone was bound to ask Ben Roethlisberger how he likes his air pressure inside of his footballs but Ben came up with a pretty good response.

"“People ask me all the time what our PSI is. I have no idea. Whatever they put it at, I play with it. I am not even one that messes with the balls before the games to see which ones I like. I just got play.” – Ben Roethlisberger"

Whether Roethlisberger is or isn’t meticulous with his footballs like other quarterbacks reportedly are he played it correctly there and made sure to not make the story about him. Too bad other players like Jerry Rice couldn’t have done the same thing.

Bell rooting for Williams

The Steelers backfield will look a little differently than it did last season with the addition of DeAngelo Williams in at the backup role to Le’Veon Bell. Bell hasn’t heard from the league regarding his 4-game suspension for his marijuana arrest last summer but either way he’s ready to move on from the incident and take full responsibility.

"“Because it is my fault. I learned my lesson and it made me a better man and person. It’s going to make me a better player. Everybody has their own opinions about me, but that’s fine. I can’t make everybody like me and I can’t make everybody hate me. I just have to continue to move forward and continue to be me. I know I’m a great person and great football player, so I have to continue to be on and off the field.” – Le’Veon Bell"

Some had questioned the signing of the 32-year-old Williams to be Bell’s backup after nine seasons with the Carolina Panthers and spending most of last season on the sidelines with injury. Some wondered if Williams was right for the Steelers, who have incorporated Bell heavily in to their passing game as well as the ground game.

Williams is ready to answer all the questions about him with his play on the field.

"“Just sit back and enjoy the show and you can answer your own questions. If you watch practice, I get out here and work on my hands to get them right. I’m aware he (Bell) caught 85 balls. I’m aware that Dri (Archer) caught a lot of balls last year. I’m aware that if the ball is thrown in my direction, I’m expected to catch it because the media is going to be on my back. I understand the role that I’m put in right now. I’m behind Le’Veon. I’m Le’Veon’s backup. There’s going to be a lot of emphasis on me. I get it. But guess what? I’m ready to handle that role. Whatever you guys are ready to throw at me, I’m ready for it. So shoot. Give me everything that you’ve got. Because it can’t get any worse than what you’ve already given me.” – DeAngelo Williams"

Well then. Hope the second day of OTAs is just as entertaining.

Here we go Steelers! Here we go!

Next: Steelers Brown Promises

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